Origins of Government
Villages became larger, growing into cities. Government and religion
were organized. The development of specialized occupations and advanced
technology occurred. The use of written symbols to keep records
began.

Class System
There were a lot of people with internal struggle; some people felt
they were better than others and could bring order and protection
from raids.

Role of Government:

Organized to plan large projects (control water for irrigation,
etc.)

Needed to maintain laws and judge lawbreakers.

Oversee large projects.

Collect taxes.

Rulers were seen as either gods or having been chosen
by the gods. Laws were seen as coming from the gods. People were
ruled harshly. It was seen as the only way (by the rulers) to get
the people to submit - by being afraid). A state of war always existed:
either between one people and another, or between the people and
a ruler.

Origin of Formal Religion
Formal religion explains creation and life after death. Religions
also formed for social reasons, provided comfort and solace, and
brought harmony with the environment.

Bronze Age People Used Bronze to Make Swords and
Tools.

Development of Specialized Occupations
Artisans, merchants, and government. Officials led to new skills
and knowledge. New ideas came from people trading with other people
from other places.

Writing
Writing developed to keep records as government, religion, and trade
got more complex. Almost all ancient civilizations came up with
some form of writing.